Creating Safe Communities for All: The Role of Grassroots Sport and Anti-Racism in Northern Ireland

Summary

Northern Ireland has a complex history of community division and conflict. While overt tensions between the two traditional communities have declined, recent years have witnessed a marked rise in racial and ethnic tensions, with ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected (McVeigh, 2015; Doebler et al., 2018). Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded the highest number of racist incidents and race hate crimes since records began in 2004, reporting 2,367 incidents and 1,507 crimes (PSNI, 2026). These trends highlight the need for innovative approaches to community safety, social cohesion, and inclusion in a society that continues to be shaped by the legacy of conflict.

Sport, as a widely accessible and culturally significant social practice, offers one potential avenue for addressing these challenges. It is frequently promoted as a tool for education, social inclusion, community development, and crime prevention (Spaaij, 2013; UNICEF, 2019). However, positive outcomes cannot be assumed. Research suggests that the effectiveness of sport-based interventions depends on programme design, social context, and the meaningful participation of beneficiaries in the development and implementation of programmes (Coalter, 2007; Morgan & Parker, 2023).

This PhD project will investigate how grassroots sport is currently being used, and how it might be further mobilised, to promote intercultural understanding in Northern Ireland. The researcher will explore how sport can foster dialogue between the two historical communities while also including those groups most vulnerable to rising racial tensions. The project will adopt a critical perspective, examining both the opportunities and the limitations of sport-based interventions as mechanisms for social change.

Applicants should demonstrate creativity, originality, intellectual independence, and academic rigour in developing a research proposal aligned with the broad theme outlined above. Candidates are encouraged to consider collaborative, participatory, and creative qualitative research methods.

This project is particularly suited to candidates with a background in the sociology of sport, social movement studies, urban studies, migration studies, criminology, or related social science disciplines.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Relevant professional qualification

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.